First impression

Vanuatu is one of the countries with as less as six athletes participating in the Commonwealth Youth Games and that too for the first time. According to Anolyn Lulu, table tennis coach, Vanuatu, 8220;We will be participating in table tennis and athletics. We are overwhelmed by the hospitality of Indians. We were aware of the fact that Indians are warm and loving people but with the grand welcome that we received, we even after being the smallest of the teams felt that we are important and our presence is special.8221;

Team Malaysia consists of over 40 athletes and 16 officials. With a number of Indians in the Malaysian team, Indian culture is not new to Malaysia. This however makes their approach even different as Chua Hong Tam, athletic official, Malaysia, says, 8220;We landed in India on October 8 and were welcomed in a grand and a special way at Mumbai. We had heard about the Indian culture in Malaysia but what was exciting was to be a part of traditional events like wearing the turban, participating in Bhangra and so on. 8220;An important and an interesting feature of the Malaysian team are the T-shirts that boast the theme 8211; save tiger, by printing tiger-like stripes on their T-shirts. Preman Parameswaran, head quarter staff member, Team Malaysia says, 8220;This theme is designed specifically by a bunch of Malaysian students to go with Jigrr.8221;

While most of them have been talking about the hospitality, team UK is overwhelmed by the pace at which Indians work. One of the biggest teams at the Commonwealth Youth Games, with as many as 106 sportspersons, team England considers boxing as their USP. 8220;When we came here a couple of days ago, there were a number of roads still under construction but today I am surprised to see that most of the construction work is over and roads ready,8221; says Gannon Michael, athletic official, Team England.

The energetic atmosphere at CYG venue is what that has impressed Team Australia, which has come with as many as 128 members. According to Ashleigh Stevenson, team member, 8220;We are happy to be a part of this event. Considering the competition between the cricket teams of both the countries, performing well becomes our responsibility. The venue and the atmosphere here is very energetic and we hope that we make a lasting impression.8221;

A small yet capable team of eight athletes is Kiribati Islands. 8220;We are a small nation. We will be participating in all the games here. We had heard about the diversity of this country but yesterday was the first time we experienced it. I must say that Indians are very helpful people,8221; says Tewati Tetau, athletic official, team Kiribati.

After playing a kind and good host, India is now all set to play tough opponent for the participants.